OVERVIEW
You've learned almost everything you can about building. But how do you get to the next step? How do you become a power builder - someone who can build quickly and efficiently with others? This module will help you learn those last tips and tricks and have you well on your way to power building!
TERMS: Permissions: What an owner can do to an object: Copy, Modify, Transfer/Resell.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this module, you will have the following skills:
Making objects that others can modify, copy, give away or resell.
Making objects that others can modify and add to at the same time!
Building fast and aligned objects.
You will demonstrate your new skills by:
Making objects with different permissions.
Making objects using advanced building tips and techniques.
= Permissions
=
LEVEL 5 MODULE: BUILDING: POWER BUILDING - MISSION 1
Have you ever wanted to do something - but didn't have permission? Permissions work the same way in Second Life. They allow you to do things.
Instruction
Every object, prim, avatar attachment, texture and script in Second Life has permissions. Permissions allow you to copy, modify and resell or give away items. If you are going to build with others in a group, you can give them permission to work on the same object. Knowing how to give, and find permissions for any item is very important - especially if you ever plan to share your work in any way. If you don't make sure every part of an item has the correct permissions, you won't be able to share it! Let's figure out permissions right now.
Practice
Assigning Permissions.
Step 1: Beginning permissions
Any time you create a new object - whether it's a prim, texture or script - it comes with a set of permissions. You have the option of allowing each permission. Edit Window > General Tab > Next owner can:
Modify - allows the next owner to change the item.
Copy - allows the next owner to copy the item.
Resell/Give away - allows the next owner to sell or give away the item.
When you rez a new prim, most of the permissions are unchecked. Your job is to decide what permissions you would like the next owner to have.
Finding Permissions of items in your inventory.
The Properties Window.
Rez a prim and look at the permissions. Practice checking and unchecking each button to see when each is active. What combination would you choose for an item you wanted to give away AND be modified?
Step 2: Finding permissions of items in your Inventory
To check the permissions for any item, you can always rez it and open the Edit window. You can also view and even change permissions directly from the Inventory! To check an item's properties, find it in Inventory and R-click (Cmd-click) to open a drop down menu. Select Properties to find out more information about the item. The Inventory Item Properties Window will show the same information as the General tab in the Edit window. If you created it yourself (or have permission) you can change the permission settings.
Find a chair in your Inventory Library. Inventory > Library > Objects > Chair R-click (Cmd-click) on it and choose Properties to view its permission settings. Can you modify it? Copy it? Give it away?
Tip: Seeing permissions this way can be very helpful when choosing textures and scripts for objects you are creating.
Setting Group Permissions.
Step 3: Setting Group permissions
It is so much fun to build something with others! However, you need to make sure everyone has permission to modify the object. You can always give a friend the privilege to modify all of your objects (See Friends Module). You can also share an object with everyone in a group just by checking the Share with group box. Then, everyone in a group can be building something at the same time. Very cool!
Rez a prim and check the Share with group box. If you are in more than one group, you will be prompted to choose which group you are sharing with. Find a friend from that group, make sure you both have that group selected as active, and change and modify that prim together! Note: If you aren't yet in any groups, check out the module on Joining Groups!
Power builders double-check the permissions on each script, texture and object they are using before spending a lot of time creating a masterpiece. Taking a moment to plan before you build will save you a lot of frustration later on! If you've made something you're proud of and want to share, take a few moments to check its permissions. Can you share it with others?
= One Prim Building
=
POWER BUILDING: ONE PRIM BUILDING - MISSION 2
When you build a complicated object, it can take a lot of time to line up all those prims exactly. One prim building will let you build quickly and easily - keeping all those new bits and pieces just where you want them.
Instruction
By combining skills you already know - such as using the Building Block Type window, shiftdrag duplicating and resizing, together with a fantastic little tool called Copy Selection, you can build an intricate object and only rez one prim! One prim building also allows you to align each prim as it is rezzed. This means you won't have to measure and adjust so much. This technique makes you s-p-e-e-d-y.
Practice
Let's make a Totem pole, just to see how this method works. Step 1: Rez your "One Prim"
Every other prim in your build will be based off this one prim.
Find a good spot and rez that first cube!
Copy Selection allows you to rez an exact copy of a prim.
Step 2: Copy Selection
Copy Selection allows you to rez an exact copy of a prim exactly aligned to a specific side. With a prim in Edit mode, choose:
Edit Window > Create button > Copy Selection (checked) > Center Copy (checked) Now, click on the side of the prim where you would like the new prim to go.
Add a prim to the top of your totem pole using the Center Copy tool. Note: After you add a prim, you will see that the original prim is still selected. To use Copy Selection to continue building up, click on the new prim!
Changing and Resizing shapes.
Step 3: Changing and resizing shapes
Using skills you've already learned, you can change each prim's size and shape as you go along. When you have reshaped a piece, just use Copy Selection to continue. Note: If you really change and manipulate a prim, and then duplicate it using Copy Selection, you might not be able to reshape quite like you'd like. If this happens, just rez a new cube, position it, and keep on going.
Use Copy Selection to continue building your Totem Pole. As you build upwards, change the Building Block Shapes and resize as you wish. You can also click on the sides of a prim to make wings, arms or branches!
Step 3: Texturing, Linking and Saving
Power builders use objects they've made before in new builds.
If you like your Totem pole, make sure you link and rename it and take it into your Inventory.
One prim building allows you to make nicely aligned objects. You can also use Copy Selection to copy an entire object! If you want to duplicate an arch or detail over and over, use this tool! Try it out.
= Grid Building
=
POWER BUILDING: ONE PRIM BUILDING - MISSION 3
Have you ever wished your prims would just snap into place as you build? If that's your style, this mission is for you.
Instruction
The Building Grid option allows you to see a measurement grid as you move and resize objects. It is another tool to line up your prims perfectly. Some power builders love using this feature. Others never use it. It's up to you to try it and decide for yourself. See the Torley video tutorial How to use building grid?.
Practice
The Use Grid option.
Step 1: Finding the Building Grid
Selecting the Use Grid from the Edit window allows you to see grid measurements as you move or rotate an object - much like seeing a tape measure lying along the ground.
Select the Use Grid option from the Edit window.
Viewing the Grid.
Step 2: Viewing the Grid
With the Building Grid on, you will see a ruler on each side of an object when you try to move or resize it.
Move an object back and forth along the X, Y, and Z axes. If you move an object using the two-colored arrows, the grid will look like graph paper.
Move your object using the two-colored arrows. You can also use the grid when you rotate!
Rotate your object. Do you see how the grid changes to look like a clock?
Select Options tab next to the Use Grid selection.
Enable Sub-Unit Snapping.
Snapping to Grid.
Step 3: Snapping to Grid
If you want your prims to snap to the grid measurements like magnets, use Snap to Grid. This can be very useful if you want objects to line up exactly. You don't even need to use the numbers! To use Snap to Grid, select Enable Sub-Unit Snapping in the Grid options. Now, move an object and drag your mouse towards the grid ruler. You will see a little white triangle snap to each measurement line. Snap, snap, snap!
Select Snap to Grid and move your prim. You can resize and rotate using Snap to Grid also.
Changing the Building Grid measurements.
Step 4: Changing the Building Grid measurements
The Grid lines are usually half a meter apart (0.500). You can space them closer or further apart by changing the Grid Unit (meters) number.
In the Grid Options Window change the Grid Unit measurement. Move your prim to see the change. Do you like the difference?
There are a few more options you can play with in the Grid Options window. If like using the Building Grid, take a moment to select each of them and see what they do.
= Building with fewer prims
=
POWER BUILDING: BUILDING WITH FEWER PRIMS - MISSION 4
Power builders are always aware of the number of prims they are using to create an object.
Instruction
Although it can be fun to create amazingly complex objects, builders must be aware of prim limits. The number of prims you can have on a plot of land depends on its size. For example, a plot of land 16 x 32 meters (known as a 512) has a limit of 117 prims. Prims can add up quickly! Power builders are always thinking of ways to use fewer prims to create their fantastic objects.
Practice
In a previous building mission, you saw how to make stairs more prim efficient by using some of the building tools, such as Cut. You are going to practice being prim efficient by re-designing a table that's already in your Library. Let's begin.
Steel and Glass Table.
Rez the table from Inventory.
Step 1: The original table
You have many useful items in your Library, but they can be redesigned to make them even better! One is a steel and glass table, found here:
Inventory > Library > Objects > Household > Coffee Table, Glass & Steel Try this now: Find the table in your inventory and rez it.
Finding the number of prims.
Step 2: Finding the number of prims in an object
The General tab of the Edit window shows the number of prims an object has. Edit Window > General Tab > 1 Object, ___ Primitives
Find the number of prims in the coffee table.
Step 3: Observing how an object was made
Before redesigning an object to have a lower prim count, it can be useful to see how the original creator put it together.
Selecting Edit Linked Parts allows you to click on each individual prim.
Selecting Edit linked Parts allows you to click on each individual prim.
Select the Edit Linked Parts box and click on each prim in the coffee table to see how it was constructed.
Making a low Prim Copy.
Step 4: Making a low prim copy
How many prims do you think can be taken away from that table? Can it be recreated using 6 prims? 5? 4? It's like a puzzle. Your mission here is to recreate it using fewer prims than the original. You may come up with a different solution than someone else. That's ok!
Tip: Hollow cubes will help you reduce the number of prims you need to redesign this table.
How many prims did you use to redesign your table? Sometimes, there is more than one best solution. The table in the foreground only used 4 prims!
Continue to Chapter 9 - Scripting (including scene animation)
Chapter 8: Building - Power Building
OVERVIEW
You've learned almost everything you can about building. But how do you get to the next step? How do you become a power builder - someone who can build quickly and efficiently with others? This module will help you learn those last tips and tricks and have you well on your way to power building!
TERMS:
Permissions: What an owner can do to an object: Copy, Modify, Transfer/Resell.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this module, you will have the following skills:
- Making objects that others can modify, copy, give away or resell.
- Making objects that others can modify and add to at the same time!
- Building fast and aligned objects.
You will demonstrate your new skills by:= Permissions
=
LEVEL 5 MODULE: BUILDING: POWER BUILDING - MISSION 1
Have you ever wanted to do something - but didn't have permission? Permissions work the same way in Second Life. They allow you to do things.
Instruction
Every object, prim, avatar attachment, texture and script in Second Life has permissions. Permissions allow you to copy, modify and resell or give away items. If you are going to build with others in a group, you can give them permission to work on the same object. Knowing how to give, and find permissions for any item is very important - especially if you ever plan to share your work in any way. If you don't make sure every part of an item has the correct permissions, you won't be able to share it! Let's figure out permissions right now.Practice
Step 1: Beginning permissions
Any time you create a new object - whether it's a prim, texture or script - it comes with a set of permissions. You have the option of allowing each permission. Edit Window > General Tab > Next owner can:
- Modify - allows the next owner to change the item.
- Copy - allows the next owner to copy the item.
- Resell/Give away - allows the next owner to sell or give away the item.
When you rez a new prim, most of the permissions are unchecked. Your job is to decide what permissions you would like the next owner to have.Rez a prim and look at the permissions. Practice checking and unchecking each button to see when each is active. What combination would you choose for an item you wanted to give away AND be modified?
Step 2: Finding permissions of items in your Inventory
To check the permissions for any item, you can always rez it and open the Edit window. You can also view and even change permissions directly from the Inventory! To check an item's properties, find it in Inventory and R-click (Cmd-click) to open a drop down menu. Select Properties to find out more information about the item. The Inventory Item Properties Window will show the same information as the General tab in the Edit window. If you created it yourself (or have permission) you can change the permission settings.
Find a chair in your Inventory Library. Inventory > Library > Objects > Chair R-click (Cmd-click) on it and choose Properties to view its permission settings. Can you modify it? Copy it? Give it away?
Tip: Seeing permissions this way can be very helpful when choosing textures and scripts for objects you are creating.
Step 3: Setting Group permissions
It is so much fun to build something with others! However, you need to make sure everyone has permission to modify the object. You can always give a friend the privilege to modify all of your objects (See Friends Module). You can also share an object with everyone in a group just by checking the Share with group box. Then, everyone in a group can be building something at the same time. Very cool!
Rez a prim and check the Share with group box. If you are in more than one group, you will be prompted to choose which group you are sharing with. Find a friend from that group, make sure you both have that group selected as active, and change and modify that prim together! Note: If you aren't yet in any groups, check out the module on Joining Groups!
Power builders double-check the permissions on each script, texture and object they are using before spending a lot of time creating a masterpiece. Taking a moment to plan before you build will save you a lot of frustration later on! If you've made something you're proud of and want to share, take a few moments to check its permissions. Can you share it with others?
= One Prim Building
=
POWER BUILDING: ONE PRIM BUILDING - MISSION 2
When you build a complicated object, it can take a lot of time to line up all those prims exactly. One prim building will let you build quickly and easily - keeping all those new bits and pieces just where you want them.
Instruction
By combining skills you already know - such as using the Building Block Type window, shiftdrag duplicating and resizing, together with a fantastic little tool called Copy Selection, you can build an intricate object and only rez one prim! One prim building also allows you to align each prim as it is rezzed. This means you won't have to measure and adjust so much. This technique makes you s-p-e-e-d-y.Practice
Let's make a Totem pole, just to see how this method works.
Step 1: Rez your "One Prim"
Every other prim in your build will be based off this one prim.
Find a good spot and rez that first cube!
Step 2: Copy Selection
Copy Selection allows you to rez an exact copy of a prim exactly aligned to a specific side. With a prim in Edit mode, choose:
Edit Window > Create button > Copy Selection (checked) > Center Copy (checked) Now, click on the side of the prim where you would like the new prim to go.
Add a prim to the top of your totem pole using the Center Copy tool. Note: After you add a prim, you will see that the original prim is still selected. To use Copy Selection to continue building up, click on the new prim!
Step 3: Changing and resizing shapes
Using skills you've already learned, you can change each prim's size and shape as you go along. When you have reshaped a piece, just use Copy Selection to continue. Note: If you really change and manipulate a prim, and then duplicate it using Copy Selection, you might not be able to reshape quite like you'd like. If this happens, just rez a new cube, position it, and keep on going.
Use Copy Selection to continue building your Totem Pole. As you build upwards, change the Building Block Shapes and resize as you wish. You can also click on the sides of a prim to make wings, arms or branches!
Step 3: Texturing, Linking and Saving
Power builders use objects they've made before in new builds.
If you like your Totem pole, make sure you link and rename it and take it into your Inventory.
One prim building allows you to make nicely aligned objects. You can also use Copy Selection to copy an entire object! If you want to duplicate an arch or detail over and over, use this tool! Try it out.
= Grid Building
=
POWER BUILDING: ONE PRIM BUILDING - MISSION 3
Have you ever wished your prims would just snap into place as you build? If that's your style, this mission is for you.
Instruction
The Building Grid option allows you to see a measurement grid as you move and resize objects. It is another tool to line up your prims perfectly. Some power builders love using this feature. Others never use it. It's up to you to try it and decide for yourself. See the Torley video tutorial How to use building grid?.Practice
Step 1: Finding the Building Grid
Selecting the Use Grid from the Edit window allows you to see grid measurements as you move or rotate an object - much like seeing a tape measure lying along the ground.
Select the Use Grid option from the Edit window.
Step 2: Viewing the Grid
With the Building Grid on, you will see a ruler on each side of an object when you try to move or resize it.
Move an object back and forth along the X, Y, and Z axes. If you move an object using the two-colored arrows, the grid will look like graph paper.
Move your object using the two-colored arrows. You can also use the grid when you rotate!
Rotate your object. Do you see how the grid changes to look like a clock?
Step 3: Snapping to Grid
If you want your prims to snap to the grid measurements like magnets, use Snap to Grid. This can be very useful if you want objects to line up exactly. You don't even need to use the numbers! To use Snap to Grid, select Enable Sub-Unit Snapping in the Grid options. Now, move an object and drag your mouse towards the grid ruler. You will see a little white triangle snap to each measurement line. Snap, snap, snap!
Select Snap to Grid and move your prim. You can resize and rotate using Snap to Grid also.
Step 4: Changing the Building Grid measurements
The Grid lines are usually half a meter apart (0.500). You can space them closer or further apart by changing the Grid Unit (meters) number.
In the Grid Options Window change the Grid Unit measurement. Move your prim to see the change. Do you like the difference?
There are a few more options you can play with in the Grid Options window. If like using the Building Grid, take a moment to select each of them and see what they do.
= Building with fewer prims
=
POWER BUILDING: BUILDING WITH FEWER PRIMS - MISSION 4
Power builders are always aware of the number of prims they are using to create an object.
Instruction
Although it can be fun to create amazingly complex objects, builders must be aware of prim limits. The number of prims you can have on a plot of land depends on its size. For example, a plot of land 16 x 32 meters (known as a 512) has a limit of 117 prims. Prims can add up quickly! Power builders are always thinking of ways to use fewer prims to create their fantastic objects.Practice
In a previous building mission, you saw how to make stairs more prim efficient by using some of the building tools, such as Cut. You are going to practice being prim efficient by re-designing a table that's already in your Library. Let's begin.
Step 1: The original table
You have many useful items in your Library, but they can be redesigned to make them even better! One is a steel and glass table, found here:
Inventory > Library > Objects > Household > Coffee Table, Glass & Steel Try this now: Find the table in your inventory and rez it.
Step 2: Finding the number of prims in an object
The General tab of the Edit window shows the number of prims an object has. Edit Window > General Tab > 1 Object, ___ Primitives
Find the number of prims in the coffee table.
Step 3: Observing how an object was made
Before redesigning an object to have a lower prim count, it can be useful to see how the original creator put it together.
Selecting Edit linked Parts allows you to click on each individual prim.
Select the Edit Linked Parts box and click on each prim in the coffee table to see how it was constructed.
Step 4: Making a low prim copy
How many prims do you think can be taken away from that table? Can it be recreated using 6 prims? 5? 4? It's like a puzzle. Your mission here is to recreate it using fewer prims than the original. You may come up with a different solution than someone else. That's ok!
Tip: Hollow cubes will help you reduce the number of prims you need to redesign this table.
How many prims did you use to redesign your table? Sometimes, there is more than one best solution. The table in the foreground only used 4 prims!
Continue to Chapter 9 - Scripting (including scene animation)